Hi from united kingdom!!!!

[juzzaman]

Hi, just thought id say hi. Joined today after a few weeks of browsing forums.. Bought my first ever bearded dragon about a month ago, and have never been so happy with a pet. He seems perfectly healthy at the moment, eating lots and poo'ing on me regulaly

He sits there sometimes with his mouth open, which i assume means he's hungry, but hes such a greedy begger and just wants to eat all the time. I think hes about 4 months old and is about 8 inch's from nose to tail. Shedding his skin regulaly which is good. Havent seen him drink from his bowl yet, but i assume he must be as he hasnt died yet..... I do drip some water on his nose sometimes just to encourage him to drink something.

Anyway, enough drivveling, just wanted to introduce myself... Sooooo.... HI!

Justin

 

[Catalyst]

Hello and welcome Often dragons will sit with their mouths open as a way of regulating their body temperature.

 

[juzzaman]

Ah right

Well, do i assume this means he's too hot? Ive only gotten his basking temp upto 28 - 29 (82 - 84f)
I thought the optimum basking temp was 85 - 100f. The other side of the viv is 78f.
This ok? Sorry if wrong thread, just wanna make sure that he's setup ok...

Ta

 

[Catalyst]

What are you using to measure the temps in the tank?

You're right, the basking spot temp should be in the 95-110*F range. If your temps are actually only in the 80s then he's shouldn't be overheated. As long as his gaping (open mouth) isn't accompanied by any odd breathing sounds (i.e. clicks, wheezes, etc.) which could indicate a respiratory problem then I wouldn't worry about it. Young dragons do lots of strange things If there are any odd sounds associated with the open mouth, then you'd want to see a vet.

 

[juzzaman]

Im using the stick on temp things atm :S I know their not very good, but im debating on buying a big viv ready for him to grow into, so along with that, the digital types...

No sounds from him at all. Only time i ever hear a sound from him is when hes eating his food

Ah its a relief to know that Franks ok (lol at name)

Il upload some pics of him soon

Ta

 

[Catalyst]

Those stick on strips can be off by as much as 20* in extreme cases. I'd pick up a digital thermometer with probe as soon as possible just to make sure you aren't overheating your dragon by accident. Around here they cost $10 or less, not sure about your neck of the woods though.

 

[zebedeepink]

Hi - where in UK are you? As you can see, I am in UK too. As Catalyst says, you really need to get a digital thermometer with probe. I got one on Ebay for about £7 I think it was. Your basking temp is too low so Frank won't be able to digest his good properly - you need to bump it up to 100 minimum. Your cool side is fine (if that temp is accurate).

 

[juzzaman]

Hi, im in sudbury suffolk. Ive got a digi thermometer (handheld) and ive plonked it on his wood where he sits below the light to get a temperature reading. Its reading 93 - 96 on his basking place. So this should be ok?

 

[zebedeepink]

Hi

Babies tend to like it a bit hotter - 105-110 so you could consider raising it a bit. Can you raise your basking platform a bit ?

 

[juzzaman]

Il give it a go, im going to get hold of a peice of wood to raise it. Atm using the fiddlestick things.. Wow you guys really know your stuff!!!!

Il upload some pictures of him soon.. Love my bearded dragon